I am currently looking at buying a 1974-75 Gibson Les Paul Custom, however I have a few concerns regarding the instrument. It is has the usual split-diamond headstock, 70's joined up lettering on the headstock (I mean the top of the "b" and "o" in Gibson), block inlays, gold hardware, original electrics, pickups, pots and the machineheads are consistent too. However it has some other charcteristics which I cannot find when looking for anything similar on the net.

- It has a flamed cherry sunburst top, I can only find plain tops!
- It doesn't appear to have 3-piece top (Maple-Mahogany-Maple) as the other 70's customs seem to.
- It has white pickups surrounds, and scratchplate.
- It has Speed knobs, but the seller has assured me that he has the original knobs too (but haven't ascertained what colour these are).

The serial number checks out and I am sure you agree it looks like a lovely instrument, and I will be more than happy to buy it. But I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is indeed a configuration for this type of guitar, and if gibson did indeed do a flamed LP custom.

I've never seen a 74/75 Custom with a top like that. Or white plastic.

Pickups should be TTops. Probably (but not always) stickered on the back for '74, stamped plate for '75.
Again, not always, but likely a 3 pc maple neck for '75, 3 pc mahogany for '74.
And it should be a pancake body.

odd, those codes are about a year apart
1377551 = 51st week of '75
1377452 = 52nd week of '74
I suppose it's possible that the '74 pot could have been in the bottom of the bin though. Those would suggest it's a '75.
But sometime in '75 they started using the '99' serial numbers, and that first pot is at the end of the year, so you'd think it'd be in a '99' serial guitar.
LOL
always lots of head scratching on these.
I think I'd guess that it's an early '75 guitar, based on the 7452 pot and that you said the serial is the old style, that had a pot replaced a year later. Remember they ran something like 7500 Customs a year back then, to have pots laying around the shop for a year doesn't make a lot of sense.
See if you can tell if it's a maple or mahogany neck, and if the guy will let you check the tenon (pull the neck pup, a good time to check for sticker or stamped base plate too), see if it's a trans or not. Early '75 could be, even if it's a maple neck.

Thank you very much for the info. Judging by what you are saying it does seem to be consistent with his description both by Serial and pots, and I agree the pots are more likely an original and replacement.

I am sorry about the quality of the picture, will post some better ones whenI receive them in the morning. As a sideline, how much should one of these be sold for, I wouldn't want to be ripped off....ballpark figure?

And what is your opinion on the pickup surrounds, scratchplate? Do you think they are replacements?

I appreciate your help on this one. I am looking to buy something using an inheritence from my Grandparents and want to get it right!

if you have a look at the one you linked to from the LPF, that's the kind of sunbursts they were shooting back then. And I believe, but I'm not sure what year it started, they bursted the backs too.
I'm going to guess it's refinned, maybe with a veneer top, and swapped plastics.
Maybe it's straight up, just because I've never seen one like that doesn't mean it isn't.

If the plastics were switched, or even the pups, it would not stop me from buying a great guitar. If you are looking at it as an investment, then maybe you should pass.. I personally think it looks killer, Evan as dwagar stated, it may be a refin or a veneer on the top..